Flex-fuel vehicles will run at a gallop! Central government approved E100 fuel
Last Updated:
The Central Government has approved E100 ethanol fuel for flex-fuel vehicles by amending the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. The Road Transport Ministry has issued this notification, which will reduce dependence on crude oil imports and will also promote clean energy.
The government has approved E 100 Fuel.
The Central Government has officially recognized E100 ethanol fuel for flex-fuel vehicles by making important amendments in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. Changes have been made in Rule 115 through Gazette Notification (G.S.R. 911 (E)) issued on 23 October 2026 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, in which earlier only E85 was mentioned, now both E85 or E100 have been included.
This step is important for those car companies which are preparing to launch E100 model soon. The government has made it clear that E85 and E100 will be used only in specially designed and certified flex-fuel vehicles. This fuel cannot be put into existing cars running E20 or normal petrol. This update will promote ethanol blending, reduce dependence on crude oil imports and will also benefit the environment. .
What changed in the rules?
Under the new rules, E100 has been added along with E85 in the emission related provisions. Gasoline references in the table have been updated to E10/E20. The gross weight limit of vehicles has been increased from 3000 kg to 3500 kg. In biodiesel, provision has been made for B100 instead of B10. Technical improvements related to Hydrogen-CNG (HCNG) have also been made. These changes will apply to vehicles designed as flex-fuel by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
In which vehicles will E100 be used?
E85 or E100 fuel will only be used in vehicles that have been specifically certified by the manufacturers for the high ethanol blend. Putting it in cars running normal petrol or E20 can cause damage to the engine. Existing vehicle owners do not need to make any changes or switches. Flex-fuel technology is already prevalent in countries like Brazil and the US, where different blends run from the same tank.
Car companies and impact on the environment
This amendment clears the way for those companies which are going to launch the E100 model. Ethanol has a low carbon footprint, which will reduce carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions. This will also boost the agriculture sector because ethanol is made from sugarcane and grains. The government aims to reduce crude oil imports and promote clean energy.
When did it come into effect?
These rules are effective from the date of publication in the Gazette. The final notification has been issued after taking objections and suggestions on the draft of April 2026. Overall, this is a big step towards promoting flex-fuel vehicles.
About the Author
Ram Mohan Mishra is an active journalist in the automotive world of digital media and has been working continuously in the field of auto journalism since 2021. Presently he is handling the auto desk of News18 Hindi as Senior Sub-Editor.
